Marcus Mateus is one of a growing number of working professionals in the United States enrolling online with Oregon State thanks to collaborations with organizations like Guild Education that offer their employees and members a tuition benefit. Mateus calls it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for workers like him who now have affordable access to an Oregon State education online.
“I’m currently working with a few historical cemeteries to create an interactive walking experience that educates participants on the area’s history,” said history master’s degree student Jessica Sue Cole. “Bringing stories to life of those who’ve gone before us and sharing that information in a way that engages people with the past — it’s the most rewarding job I can imagine.”
Audrey Dickinson was working as an engineer at HP in Corvallis when she realized that a better understanding of data would make her work even more impactful. Oregon State’s two-year online M.S. in Data Analytics gave her the flexibility to earn her credentials while still working full time at HP. “There are a lot of great professors and the coursework was very valuable. Right away, I applied things that I was learning to my real-life job,” she said.
“Here’s my advice to anyone who is considering going back to school: Go for it! There is no better time than now. In five, 10, 15 or 20 years, the only regret you will have will be the opportunities you did not take. Education is an investment in yourself, and you are worth it. OSU Ecampus was user-friendly, with great support.” — Matt Bowling, Oregon State Ecampus graduate
“I primarily wanted to better myself by furthering my education and doing the work I love,” Eric Rouse says. “Now, I’m half-owner of the company that I work for. Completing my computer science degree at OSU Ecampus helped create the career of my dreams.”
Matt Pennon knew firsthand the joys of fostering children; he and his husband built their family by fostering five kids in six years. He was also no stranger to the challenges. And thanks to employees in Santa Barbara County’s Department of Social Services who saw his potential — and the opportunity to gain relevant skills online with Oregon State — Pennon has successfully parlayed those experiences into a career offering families like his essential training and assistance.
Nearly one in four members of the Oregon State University graduating Class of 2022 completed their degree requirements online through Oregon State Ecampus. Among them is Zak Evans, a former OSU wrestler who supplemented his on-campus undergraduate studies several years ago with some online classes during wrestling season. That experience planted a seed and led to him pursuing his MBA in Business Analytics online.
The self-doubt that Ashley Hatleberg felt while pursuing a degree online with Oregon State put her in good company. Many students who learn online — particularly those who are returning to school after some time away — feel that same sense of doubt. But as is the case with countless other OSU Ecampus students, Hatleberg had her worries erased thanks to the expert guidance of her academic advisor.
Monique Lanier is a graduate of Oregon State’s religious studies online bachelor’s program, and the experience profoundly impacted her — academically and in myriad other ways. And her alma mater helped pave her path to one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
I was not a typical grad student. For years I’ve wanted to go back to school and get my master’s degree, but due to a number of life circumstances it just didn’t happen. Then, when I was about to turn 50 (yes, 50!) the opportunity came.
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